On March 21, 2026, representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division and Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) participated in the Punjabi American Growers Group’s Kisan Mela farmers workshop in Madera, California.
This ”farmers fair” brought together growers, agricultural leaders, and community members to share knowledge, resources, upcoming funding opportunities, and practical solutions for ongoing agricultural challenges. The primary goal of Kisan Mela is to support and uplift Punjabi farmers by creating a space where they can engage openly with experts and government agencies, access information in familiar languages, and strengthen community connections.
The well attended workshop was opened with remarks from California Food and Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross and featured presentations and discussions on a variety of important agricultural topics. CDFA staff provided outreach and education on critical issues such as invasive pest and disease prevention, best management practices, and long-term pathways to agricultural sustainability through our Healthy Soils Program, SWEEP, and methane reduction initiatives. These conversations help ensure that growers have the tools and information needed to protect both their crops and their livelihoods.
A key takeaway from participating in the event was the powerful role of language and cultural connection in building trust. As a Punjabi-speaking representatives of CDFA, Ravneet Bahla and Harsimran “Rosie” Gill, were able to engage with growers in their own language created a more comfortable, open environment—one where questions flowed more freely and conversations felt grounded in shared understanding. One especially memorable moment was when growers began opening up even more after discussions naturally shifted into Punjabi, and when we exchanged stories about our hometowns in Punjab. It was a meaningful reminder of how deeply shared identity and cultural familiarity can strengthen communication and relationships.
Events like Kisan Mela are valuable for CDFA because they create direct, trusted channels of communication, making government resources more accessible while also allowing agencies to better understand the needs of diverse farming communities. These gatherings strengthen partnerships among state and federal agencies, universities, and grower communities, ensuring that support reaches farmers in ways that are culturally responsive and locally informed.
CDFA remains committed to working alongside California’s diverse agricultural communities to advance sustainable, innovative, and effective pest management solutions. We thank the Punjabi American Growers Group for hosting this important event and for their continued efforts in supporting California agriculture!